She may be a steely-eyed ice queen, but judging by the vulnerable and lonely piano dirges on the Metric singer's solo debut, there's definitely a beating flesh heart in there somewhere.

MATES OF STATE Bring It Back (Barsuk)

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Careful! Because Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel are actually lovey-dovey spouses, this may have an adverse effect of making your friends feel worse. On the other hand, the Mates' exhibitionistic, off-kilter pop, delivered with good spirits, could be the dose of optimism they desperately need.

MORRISSEY Ringleader Of The Tormentors (Sanctuary)

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If your friends don't own some Morrissey or at least a Smiths record then you might reconsider whether your pals are worth the effort. Nevertheless, the effeminate king of self-pity and melodrama put out a new one this year that's predictably mopey in a fun way.